Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I unwrapped the warm rolls, a wave of cinnamon bliss filled my kitchen, transporting me straight to a cozy café on a chilly morning. These Easy Cinnamon Knots are my go-to when the craving for something sweet hits, combining simplicity with delightful flavor. Crafted primarily from thawed Rhodes rolls, they require minimal prep and deliver satisfying results that are perfect for both breakfast and dessert. The quick icing drizzled on top adds just the right touch of sweetness, turning these soft, fluffy knots into an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Plus, they come together in a flash, making them an ideal choice for those who want to trade fast food for homemade goodness without spending all day in the kitchen. Curious about how to make these delightful treats that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get started! Why are Cinnamon Knots so irresistible? Fluffy, Soft Texture: Each knot emerges warm and soft, offering a delightful bite that’s hard to resist. Quick and Easy: Using thawed Rhodes rolls means you’ll have these done in no time, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests. Sweet, Aromatic Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home. Perfectly Versatile: Whether served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. Don’t miss trying them alongside other favorites like Cookie Butter Cinnamon or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls. Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: Their delightful look and taste will have friends and family clamoring for more, making them a hit at any gathering! Cinnamon Knots Ingredients For the Knots • Rhodes Rolls – Thawed but still cold; these are the main dough base for the cinnamon knots. Use Texas size rolls for larger knots! • Butter – 6 Tbsp melted; adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick. For a dairy-free option, substitute with plant-based butter. • Light Brown Sugar – ¼ cup, gently packed; provides a touch of sweetness and moisture. You can also use granulated sugar if needed. • Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup; sweetens the cinnamon coating, adjust to your taste! • Ground Cinnamon – 2 tsp; the essential flavoring for these cinnamon knots, increase for a more robust taste. For the Icing • Butter – 1 Tbsp, melted; enriches the icing flavor and moisture. • Powdered Sugar – 1 cup; thickens and sweetens the icing perfectly. • Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp; enhances the overall flavor of the icing. • Milk – 2 Tbsp or more for the desired consistency; you can use dairy-free milk as a substitute. Dive into making these Cinnamon Knots that blend simplicity and scrumptiousness, perfect for your next gathering or cozy morning! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cinnamon Knots Step 1: Thaw Rolls Begin by placing your frozen Rhodes rolls on a silicone-lined sheet tray. Cover them with sprayed plastic wrap to prevent drying out, and let them thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours until they are soft to the touch and have warmed up slightly. Step 2: Prep While your cinnamon knots’ dough is thawing, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the 6 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, taking care not to splatter. In another bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon with both granulated and brown sugars until well combined, creating a sweet coating for your knots. Step 3: Knot Shaping Once your Rhodes rolls are thawed, take each roll and roll it into a 10-inch long rope on a lightly floured surface. For the signature cinnamon knots, shape the dough by crisscrossing the ends and tucking them underneath. Repeat this process until all the rolls are transformed into beautiful knots ready for baking. Step 4: Coating Gently dip each knot into the melted butter, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. After buttering, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well covered. Place the coated knots on the prepared tray, making sure to leave some space between each for even baking. Step 5: Final Rise Cover the prepared cinnamon knots with plastic wrap again and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. During this time, they should slightly rise, becoming puffy and ready for baking, which enhances their fluffy texture once cooked. Step 6: Bake Place your tray in the preheated oven and bake the cinnamon knots for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they will be done when they reach an internal temperature of 190-200°F, and the tops are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the bottoms may brown quicker. Step 7: Icing After baking, prepare the icing by mixing 1 tablespoon of melted butter with 1 cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency. Once the cinnamon knots have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing generously over the warm knots for a delightful finishing touch. How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Knots Room Temperature: Store leftover cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful for quick snacking! Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, keep the knots in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Freezer: Freeze cinnamon knots individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: To revive your cinnamon knots, reheat them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they are warm and soft before serving. What to Serve with Easy Cinnamon Knots? Indulging in sweet, pillowy knots brings to mind a cozy breakfast table filled with delightful pairings that enhance every bite. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon knots, balancing sweetness with tartness. Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and seasonal fruits, this treat offers creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the soft knots. Hot Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of your favorite brew complements the aromatic cinnamon, enhancing the overall experience with warmth and comfort. Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, serve with warm maple syrup – it can transform your knots into a delightful breakfast indulgence. Nutty Granola: The crunchiness of granola gives a contrasting texture that pairs well against the softness of the knots, making each bite an adventure. Apple Cider: Warm apple cider brings a festive note while adding a hint of spice that echoes the cinnamon flavors in the knots, perfect for chilly mornings. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm knot alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls. Hot Chocolate: On a chilly day, a cup of rich hot chocolate serves as a decadent drink that leads you into a cozy, blissful state alongside your cinnamon knots. Make Ahead Options Cinnamon Knots are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can prepare the knots up to 24 hours in advance by shaping them and placing them on your baking tray. After coating them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge and let them rise for about 30 minutes before preheating your oven and baking as instructed. This method maintains their delicious fluffiness, ensuring they taste just as irresistible the next day! With these steps, you’ll have fresh, warm Cinnamon Knots with minimal effort—perfect to satisfy any sweet craving! Cinnamon Knots Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon knots—there’s a whole world of delicious possibilities waiting for you! Dairy-Free: Substitute regular butter with plant-based butter to make these treats dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile just right. Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the knots. Fruit-Infused: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries into the dough for an unexpected burst of sweetness and chewiness! Almond Icing: Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract in the icing to create a fun, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon. Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent take that will satisfy any chocolate cravings. Cinnamon Roll Fusion: Top your knots with a dollop of cream cheese frosting instead of the traditional icing for a richer, tangier experience. Sweet Heat: Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a surprising kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the knots. Explore these variations to craft your perfect batch of cinnamon knots and make sure to check out some other delicious recipes like Cookie Butter Cinnamon or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls for more baking inspiration! Tips for the Best Cinnamon Knots Cold Dough Handling: Keep your Rhodes rolls cold when shaping. This helps maintain their structure and makes them easier to knot without sticking. Ingredient Substitutions: Experiment with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option, or use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Watch the Brown: If you notice the cinnamon knots browning too quickly on the bottom, try placing the baking tray on the middle rack of the oven to ensure even cooking. Cooling Time: Allow the cinnamon knots to cool slightly before icing for best adherence. This helps the icing stay put rather than sliding off. Refreshing Leftovers: Revive any leftover knots by microwaving them for just 10-20 seconds with a little butter. This keeps them soft and fluffy. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of sugar based on your taste preference; sweetness can vary greatly from one batch of cinnamon knots to another! Cinnamon Knots Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best Rhodes Rolls for Cinnamon Knots? Absolutely! Look for Rhodes Rolls that are thawing but still cold, as this helps with shaping. If you want larger knots, I recommend using the Texas size rolls. A visual cue to look for is a consistent size and texture without any dark spots or tears. What is the best way to store leftover Cinnamon Knots? You can store leftover cinnamon knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you choose to refrigerate them, cover them well to avoid drying out, as they will last for up to a week in the fridge. Can I freeze Cinnamon Knots? Yes, you can! It’s best to freeze cinnamon knots individually wrapped in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply move them to the refrigerator the night before, and reheat in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy! What should I do if my dough browns only on the bottom? Very common! If you notice the bottom of your knots browning while the tops remain undercooked, try moving your baking tray to the middle rack of the oven during baking. This allows for even heat distribution and prevents over-browning on the bottom. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time for perfect results. Are these Cinnamon Knots suitable for everyone, including those with allergies? Yes, but always check your ingredient choices. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk in the icing. If you have nut allergies or are making this for someone with dietary restrictions, ensure that any additional flavors or toppings (like nuts or raisins) are safe for them to consume. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens! How can I enhance the flavor of my Cinnamon Knots? Great question! To amp up the flavor, consider increasing the amount of ground cinnamon or adding nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also swap vanilla for almond extract in the icing for a unique twist. Lastly, feel free to fold in raisins or chopped nuts into the rolls before knotting for added texture and sweetness. Fluffy Cinnamon Knots: Your New Favorite Sweet Treat Cinnamon Knots are a fluffy, sweet treat that combines soft Rhodes rolls with cinnamon and sugar for a perfect dessert option. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsFinal Rise 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 knotsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Knots12 rolls Rhodes Rolls Thawed but still cold; use Texas size rolls for larger knots.6 Tbsp Butter Melted; adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick.0.25 cup Light Brown Sugar Gently packed; provides sweetness and moisture.0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cinnamon coating, adjust to taste.2 tsp Ground Cinnamon Essential flavoring for these knots.For the Icing1 Tbsp Butter Melted; enriches the icing flavor.1 cup Powdered Sugar Thickens and sweetens the icing.0.5 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor.2 Tbsp Milk Use more for desired consistency; dairy-free option available. Equipment silicone-lined sheet trayMicrowave-safe bowlMixing bowlsFloured surface Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon KnotsThaw your frozen Rhodes rolls on a silicone-lined sheet tray, covered with sprayed plastic wrap for 1-2 hours.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt 6 Tbsp of butter and mix together cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for coating.Roll each thawed roll into a 10-inch long rope and shape into knots by crisscrossing and tucking the ends.Dip each knot into melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture; place on the prepared tray with space in between.Cover knots with plastic wrap and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.Bake knots in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they reach 190-200°F internally and are lightly golden.Prepare icing by mixing melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk for desired consistency, then drizzle over warm knots. Nutrition Serving: 1knotCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, allow knots to cool slightly before icing. Adjust sweetness according to preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
